POLICE have stepped up action to tackle underage drinking, drug taking and large gatherings at a beauty spot - and fired out a warning to parents.

Partying youngsters had to be broken up at the Colliers Moss area of Bold on Thursday after mounting complaints of disorder and breaches of social distancing restrictions.

There have also been reports of dangerous open water swimming.

On Thursday police arrested two young Warrington men on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and broke up a gathering of young people who had been listening to loud music.

Tonight officers imposed a dispersal order which will be used to move on groups of people who try to hang out there.

In a statement police said: "If your children are out tonight, find out where they are planning to go. If they are heading to an area known as the 'Blue Lagoon' we would strongly advise they stay away.

"The dispersal order is bordered by Bold Lane, Broad Lane, Fleet Lane, Berry's Lane, Nook Lane and Sutton Moss Road.

"It will commence at 4pm this evening (Friday, June 26, 2020)."

St Helens Star:

Litter strewn across Colliers Moss after partying youths were broken up

Even though lockdown is now easing, police say they will still respond to reports of breaches of social distancing rules.

In a statement, issued yesterday Community Policing Inspector Matt Drennan said: “Although members of the public are now permitted to meet in small groups outside, the government rules remain that people should continue to adhere to social distancing in order to protect the wider community.

“We know that the vast majority of people have continued to do this but I also want to make it clear that we will respond to reports of large groups of people forming and take action.

“Colliers Moss is a popular beauty spot which should be enjoyed by the majority. However a minority are choosing to spoil it by littering and (causing) anti-social behaviour and this will not be tolerated.

“We will continue to take positive action and I would continue to encourage the public to contact us if they are made aware of gatherings of this nature.”